Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Salina, KS: $76,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,454 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,108 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,977) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce in Salina, Kansas, the prospects for an entry-level electrical engineer salary are promising. In 2026, new grad electrical engineer pay in KS is projected to start at around $76,454, which falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $109,977. However, this initial figure represents a valuable stepping stone, as it offers a realistic pathway to more competitive salaries over time. With the expected growth trajectory, entry-level professionals can anticipate advancement to around $88,423 as they gain experience, leading them gradually toward the median salary within their first three to five years in the field. Salina presents a solid market for new engineers, as the city's developing industries will likely provide ample employment opportunities for fresh graduates.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
Entry-level electrical engineers in Salina, KS typically start between $76,454 and $88,423 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,083 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,977 — 12.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 62.78% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($76,454/year) in Salina. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $76,454 to $88,423, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salina, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Salina is $82,083 ( 107.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,454, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,537.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,725
2025 BLS Actual
$73,762
2026 Current Est.
$76,454
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,725 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,507 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,089 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,795 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,245 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,725 in 2019 to $73,762 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,245. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Salina
In Salina, specific employers tend to hire new graduates in electrical engineering. Notable sectors include semiconductor companies, which often recruit experienced master's or PhD-level engineers from top programs, and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which seek candidates with security clearances. Electrical engineering graduates with a Bachelor of Science from an ABET-accredited program benefit greatly, especially if they have passed the FE exam and are on a path toward obtaining a PE license. Additionally, those eyeing roles in chip design at tech giants such as Apple, Nvidia, and Intel should consider positioning themselves within the semiconductor industry's lucrative pay structure. Given the growing demand for expertise in power systems and the infrastructure of utilities, young engineers can expect to progress steadily in salary and responsibilities. In their first one to three years, many can navigate meaningful increases, especially if they actively pursue credentials and seek diverse experiences within various sectors of electrical engineering.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Salina in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Salina?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Salina?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Salina?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov